CITY OF THOMASVILLE CONTINUES COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PROCESS

Posted on Sep 14, 2017

Beginning Monday, September 18, 2017, the City of Thomasville will hold community workshops as part of the Blueprint: Thomasville 2028 Comprehensive Plan and engagement process. A Comprehensive Plan is the guiding document to direct capital improvements, evaluate development projects, guide public policy, and ensure that Thomasville is the city its residents want it to be.

“We began the comprehensive planning process this spring with a series of community workshops that were designed to help our citizens see the opportunities available for Thomasville’s future,” said Brian Herrmann, City Planner. “Throughout the entire process, we will work with our community to diversify its economy, celebrate its history and unique culture, improve the health of its residents, improve affordability, and upgrade the City’s quality of life.”

The comprehensive plan is designed to describe public policy in terms of various elements that include transportation, land use, health, urban design, recreation, and housing. Blueprint: Thomasville 2028 will encompass the entire City, study a broad range of topics, and cover both a short- and long-term time horizon. “The Plan plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the City, and Thomasville seeks maximum public involvement in order to create the plan,” said Herrmann.

To continue the public engagement process that began with last May’s community forums, the City will host a series of community workshops, beginning with a kickoff on Monday, September 18th at 6:00 p.m. at the City of Thomasville Municipal Building. “The purpose of these community workshops is to gather input from the community so that we can be sure the final plan represents all of our citizens,” said Herrmann.

Community workshops are scheduled as follows:

Kick-Off Event & Hands-On Design Session - Monday, September 18 | 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Thomasville Municipal Building | 144 East Jackson Street - Join us for an informative presentation on town planning & community visioning. Following the presentation, work alongside your neighbors to draw your vision for the future of Thomasville! This is a family-friendly event - bring your children!

Open Design Studio & Technical Meetings - September 19 - September 21 | 10:00 am - 9:00 pm - Bacchus Building | 225 & 227 West Jackson Street - Stop by the studio to talk with the design team and provide input as the plan evolves. This will be a unique opportunity to provide feedback as the initial plan ideas are being developed. Some of the topics to be discussed include Economic Development, Historic Preservation, Stormwater and Utilities, Civic and Community Facilities, Civic Services, Housing, Mobility and Health, the Roses Building, and Community Design and Churches.

Community Project Update/Great Streets - September 19 | 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. - Flipper Room of the Thomas County Public Library, 201 N. Madison St. - Brian Herrmann, Councilmember Don Sims and County Commissioner Wiley Grady will discuss community current projects. Immediately after this discussion, Victor Dover will present "Great Streets." This is a joint event with the Friends of the Library.

Walkable/Bikeable Cities - September 20 | 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce, 401 South Broad Street, for a discussion about Walkable/Bikeable Cities - Victor Dover knows how to fix America's neighborhoods, cities, and towns: make them walkable again. That begins with great streets where people want to be, where they feel comfortable, safe, and charmed by their surroundings.

Open House - Thursday, September 21 | 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Bacchus Building | 227 West Jackson Street - Review the community ideas, draft plans and illustrations for the future of Thomasville. Give your feedback to the planning team!

Work-in-Progress Presentation - Friday, September 22 | 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm - Bacchus Building | 227 West Jackson Street - See all of the work completed during the charrette week at the “wrap-up” presentation.

“Community members from any part of the City can attend any or all sessions. We want to hear from everyone and encourage citizens to attend at least one session in the series,” said Herrmann.

Additional comprehensive plan events will be scheduled throughout the year. For more information, visit BlueprintThomasville.org or contact Hermann at 227-7009.